Luigi Mangione turtle suit theory takes off online
A theory about why Luigi Mangione was wearing a turtle suit in prison has taken off online, with social media users speculating about the safety of the 26-year-old.
Newsweek has reached out to the Metropolitan Detention Center and Mangione's attorney via email for comment, and to the creators Kewiski and Lilli Menne for comment.
State Correctional Institution (SCI) Huntington, where Mangione was held before being extradited to New York, declined to comment on this article.
Why It Matters
Mangione is charged with murder, among other state and federal charges in connection with the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City on December 4.
Mangione captured worldwide attention after he was accused of the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson. He has amassed a large fan base, gained intense attention on social media and reignited a national conversation about the American health insurance industry.
What To Know
The concern online comes after Vaughn Wright, who was a fellow inmate of Mangione's at SCI Huntington, wrote an essay for the Prison Journalism Project in which he discussed Mangione. Wright said in the essay that Magione was wearing a turtle suit—or anti-suicide smock—in prison, not the standard prison uniform.
Now users on social media are speculating over Mangione's safety in prison. Specifically, they are theorizing that Mangione's life may be in danger and that he is being put in a turtle suit as part of a conspiracy in which he will be killed, with this then made to look like suicide.
These conspiracy theories are reminiscent of those that circulated online about Jeffrey Epstein after he was found dead in New York's Metropolitan Correctional Center in 2019. It was speculated by many that Epstein, who died at the age of 66 in a jail cell of suicide before he could stand trial in Manhattan, was actually murdered.
In a viral video posted on the app TikTok, which has received 7 million views at the time of reporting, the creator Kewiski films herself mouthing along to the lyrics of the song "Digital Silence" by Peter McPoland. The lyrics are: "Why don't you get it? Can't you get it? Understand. They're gonna execute the mother to elevate the man."
The text overlay on the video reads: "Can't yall (eye emoji) they are setting him up to look like he'd (knife emoji) himself."
A comment on this video, which has been liked 19,600 times, reads: "I just got chills and I'm afraid for him."
In another post on TikTok, which had received 76,700 views at the time of reporting, the creator Lilli Menne posted a clip to the same audio, with the text overlay, "Just saying this now before it happens, we know Luigi will not commit suicide (We aren't stupid)."
Wright's essay about Mangione in which he speaks about him wearing a turtle suit refers to his time at SCI Huntington.
Mangione was extradited to New York on December 19, 2024, and it is not clear if he has continued to wear the turtle suit garment at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York where he is currently being held.
What Is a Turtle Suit?
A turtle suit or anti-suicide smock is a protective garment that is tear-resistant and single-piece. It is generally used to prevent individuals who are hospitalized, incarcerated or otherwise detained from committing suicide.
The garment is not a restraint, but its thickness makes it impossible to roll or fold, so it cannot be used to create a noose, unlike other garments.
Several suspects and inmates have been seen wearing turtle suits over the years. This list includes Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of fatally stabbing University of Idaho students in 2022.
What People Are Saying
Mangione's lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo, previously said in court: "I am very concerned about my client's right to a fair trial in this case. He is being prejudiced by some statements that are being made by government officials."
Former federal prosecutor in California Neama Rahmani said in reference to the extraordinary support for Mangione from a surprising number of people: "I've never seen an alleged murderer receive so much sympathy. To many people, Mangione is a hero of sorts."
What Happens Next
Mangione's next state court appearance is scheduled for February 21.
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